Supported by

The Atlantic Selects

From Panamanian Gang Members to City Tour Guides

Aug 24, 2016 | 831 videos
Video by MEL Films

The proprietors of Fortaleza Tours have a fragile truce within the "red zone" of Panama City. In the eyes of Panamanian law, once you make it to a gang list, there’s no way off. But Fortaleza wants to change that. Not long ago, their tour guides may have been the ones to rob foreigners wandering through the area. Now, former gang members give tourists a behind-the-scenes look at their past gangland life, and all financial transactions with the tourists are voluntary. This documentary by MEL Films, Gang Tours of Panama, shows how violence is waning, the hospitality sector is moving in, and a relatively new feeling of safety has returned to the historic center of Panama City.

We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.

Author: Leah Varjacques

About This Series

A showcase of cinematic short documentary films, curated by The Atlantic.